**Preliminary Employment Tribunal Hearing for Fired GTA 6 Developers**
A preliminary employment tribunal hearing has recently taken place concerning the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) and its request for interim relief for 31 developers, based in the UK, who were terminated by Rockstar Games. This dismissal reportedly followed discussions among staff on Discord about new policies regarding the company’s Slack, a collaboration platform. The IWGB, which filed legal claims against Rockstar last year, contends that these firings represent a form of union busting, a charge that Rockstar denies, insisting that the primary motivation was to prevent leaks about the highly anticipated game, GTA 6.
During the preliminary hearing at the Glasgow Tribunals Centre in Scotland, held on January 5, 2023, the IWGB sought interim relief that would offer financial support to the dismissed employees while awaiting the scheduling of a full tribunal hearing. Should the judge grant this request, it would mean the developers would be reinstated on Rockstar’s payroll and have their work visas reinstated, ensuring they do not face financial difficulties during the prolonged legal process.
According to the UK’s Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS), granting interim relief involves an examination of the circumstances surrounding the dismissal to determine whether the claimants are likely to succeed at the full hearing. As outlined by ACAS, this requires a “pretty good chance” of success, indicating a higher bar than merely being “more likely than not” to win. Interim relief applications often present complex issues, making it challenging for applicants to satisfy this criterion.
Statements from both the IWGB and Rockstar during the hearing reiterated their respective narratives. The IWGB reinforced its stance, claiming, “No matter the outcome of this interim hearing, we remain confident in the strength of the case we have brought against Rockstar Games.” They expressed belief that the abrupt termination of their members was unlawful and looked forward to a full tribunal hearing.
Conversely, Rockstar reiterated its position, claiming that the dismissals were not related to union activities but rather a necessary measure to maintain confidentiality surrounding GTA 6’s development. They expressed concern that leaks could potentially harm the company’s reputation and financial standing, stating, “Even the smallest leak of any information relating to our products and practices can cause major commercial and creative damage.”
Rockstar also clarified that no employees who expressed solidarity with the union were terminated unless they were found in violation of confidentiality policies, stating they do not maintain a “blacklist” of union members.
The developments in this case have captured the attention of UK politicians, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who characterized the situation as concerning. As the judicial process unfolds, the outcome of the IWGB’s request for interim relief remains to be seen, and the case is likely to continue attracting public and media scrutiny as it progresses toward a full tribunal hearing.
